On the Record

I have waited for years to hear the Dave Clark 5 at some point. I was a teen in the 60ies, won an autographed album from a local radio station and still have it...I have been in such awin hopes one day thier up beat happy music would one day arise again...I would love to have it on CD's perhaps....What a shame to loose the leader of such a great musical group.

I loved DC5 in the 60's and kept hoping they'd get together for "one more song." Guess that won't happen now. Mike Smith had an incredible delivery and he will certainly be missed.

I was lucky enought to see Mike twice before his accident. He had one heck of a voice. He will be missed.

I saw them here in DC at Constitution Hall during their last American tour in 1967. Their opening act was Neil Diamond! All I can say is that they were incredible live - and loud! In my opinion, they had a better string of singles in the early days of The British Invasion than either The Beatles or The Stones. Should have been in the Hall Of Fame long ago. Mike Smith was truly one of the strongest, most soulful voices in Rock & Roll. He and Denis Payton (sax player who died in December '06) will both be missed.

The DC5 were one of the best groups to come out during the British Invasion. Their songs Because, Everybody Knows, Glad All Over and Bits and Pices are classic rock. Mike Smith's voice was a big part of their success. I keep hoping that their music will be made available in a BEST OF DC5 CD. This will give their fans a chance to enjoy their music again.

joe f - there have been rumors that Clark might release the entire DC5 catalog to go along with their induction into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame this month. Clark did release two CD's of their music in the 1990's. They are out-of-print now, but you can still pick them up off of Ebay from time to time. The songs are mostly mono. There are also a lot of bootlegs on Ebay.

I too was a child of the 60's. I had many albums and 45's of the Dave Clark 5. I remember local bands of the 60's who resembled the Dave Clark 5 in dress and music. The electric organ was up & coming in the 60's and of course the Black & Suits that many groups wore and of course the hair....If I had to re-live my life agian it would be the 60's. It was the greatest time of my life.........

I loved them more than the any other band at the time, they were clean cut guys with a great sound, easy to listen to and dance to. I couldn't wait for the next song to come out. For me they were the 'big' stars, groups like the Beatles weren't all that great. DC5 and New Colony 6 were my cup of tea!

I was lucky enough to see the dc5 a few time, because my dad was a A&R man for Epic records. I liked them better than the Beatles. Not bad for a group who only wanted to play to get uniforms for there team.

saw mike perform at casino rama in 2003, one hell of a show, lots of energy. he made collecting the dave clark five records a complete pleasure. he may be looking over us now, but as long as i'm alive i will be always looking up to him and saying thanks for all their music.

The Legendary Mike Smith has long ago earned his chance to be honored and remembered with both permanence and distinction.

This one's for you Mike!
http://www.thedaveclarkfive.com

I never saw The DC5 in concert. But I did see them on their last tour, when their plane landed at the airport in Toledo, Ohio. I saw them all get off the plane, and into a limo. Mike, was the last one into the car, and he nearly smashed my hands with the car door.

Mike, Denis, we will never forget you! Mike, The Noonatics (Myself included) are keeping you, Charlie, and Denis in thoughts and prayers.

Just in case anyone missed news of it, there is indeed a new CD but it's only available through iTunes (11.00USD). It has 28 songs including a few I hadn't heard before and some inspired covers. A few of things strike me as I listen to them. First, is the stunning power and versatility of Mike Smith's voice. (Is there a Rock Engine cd?) Second is how richly the band ensemble complemented that voice. Third, the brilliant arrangements--presumably by Smith and Clark. Underrated? What a shame! Perhaps a generation of young listeners will discover them.